Sprague Lake Trail

Sprague Lake Trail is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

DISTANCE

0.8 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

13 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

wheelchair friendly

kid friendly

fishing

hiking

nature trips

rock climbing

trail running

walking

forest

lake

views

wildlife

rocky

scramble

no dogs

Easy half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). Even has benches to sit and reflect from or watch fisherman catch fish. Great views all around of surrounding peaks and the Continental Divide at the far end of the lake, which also has large boulders, great for climbing. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot.
Shallow, 13-acre lake was part of a resort once owned by Abner Sprague, an expert guide and host. Just before Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, Sprague dammed the far end to create better fishing for his lodge guests.

This is a short and very easy loop around the lake. But it is all about the beauty of the location. It's a wonderful setting, and I was very lucky to visit at just the right time...moments after a late afternoon July thunderstorm had passed, leaving dramatic clouds, remarkable lighting and amazing reflections on the water. It also didn’t hurt that there were two elk wading nearby and fisherman casting in front of the classic Rocky Mountain scene. Some of my favorite photos from our week-long trip were taken here.

Sprague Lake is a wonderful short loop hike best done during sunrise. In the early morning you can catch the alpenglow of the continental divide reflected off the still water. We saw lots of Elk and heard the Bull Bugle across the lake. Moose have frequented the lake but we missed out. But we did catch a glimpse of a river otter.

A must see of Rocky Mountain National Park. My family enjoys going there for evening strolls. More of a walk than a hike. Easy accessibility for all. And fun for kids. Find the dock and stop to pose for a picture perfect moment with great mountain views on the background. If you are lucky enough you will catch still water on the backside that provides for the perfect mountain reflection off the water. Great place to also see moose. We saw a mamma moose and two calves. Went back two nights later and saw a different moose. Great for all!

Super easy hike! Flat. Very clearly marked. We were able to take the stroller for my 10 month old son. Didn't see any wildlife at the lake but did see a moose cow and 2 calves just down the road from the lake. You can very clearly see Hallett's Peak from the trail.